Everton's Young Guns Step Up in Grealish's Absence
As Everton geared up to face Newcastle in the EFL Cup at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the stakes couldn't have been higher. A chance to reach the quarter-finals against Fleetwood awaited the victor, and fans were eager for a trophy after a long drought of 31 years.
However, just before the match, news broke that Jack Grealish was dropped from the squad due to an unauthorized absence from training. This unexpected twist could have disrupted their preparations, but instead, it opened the door for the club's younger players to shine.
Leading the charge was Hayden Hackney, a £16.5 million signing from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old, despite his youth, rose to the occasion, playing a pivotal role against a strong Newcastle side. He assisted James Garner’s first goal and then netted Everton's second with a well-placed volley.
Hackney's path to this standout performance hasn't been easy. After starting the season with a victory over Crystal Palace, he found himself limited to just one other start until Thursday’s cup match. Known more for his playmaking than scoring, this game marked a rare instance where he both scored and assisted.
David Moyes, the Everton manager, remains focused on keeping young players grounded. "He had some really good moments," Moyes noted of Hackney. "But there were times where he got caught on the ball, showing he still has a bit to learn. Still, his contributions to our attacking play were crucial, and he deserved that goal."
Hackney wasn’t alone; he received solid support from Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield. Everton's thin squad means the development of young talent is vital for any success this season. Since Moyes returned in January 2025, he’s brought in ten permanent players, with seven being 24 or younger, including the promising Thierno Barry.
Barry, a France Under-21 international, has been thrust into a demanding role as Everton’s main striker. He’s already played 918 minutes this season, scoring seven goals—just one shy of his total from last year, despite playing significantly fewer matches.
This season, the average age of Everton’s starting eleven has dropped by nearly 18 months, now sitting at 26 years and 216 days. The departure of veteran Idrissa Gueye has certainly played a part in this shift, but the increased minutes for younger players have been telling.
Moyes has already utilized 22 players in the Premier League this season, matching last year's total. The trust in youth is evident; players aged 21 or under have already surpassed their total minutes from last season.
Among these youngsters is 19-year-old Harrison Armstrong, who has started every Premier League match after being gradually integrated into the first team post-loan at Preston. Meanwhile, Tyler Dibling, at 20, is finding his footing after a challenging start following his £35 million move from Southampton.
Tyrique George, also 20, has become a key player after signing permanently from Chelsea. He’s already made five starts this season and scored his first goal for the club in a thrilling draw against Manchester United.
Merlin Rohl, the 24-year-old midfielder, has stepped into the right-back role following a loan spell. After missing some matches due to injury, he returned to the lineup, earning praise for his performances over seasoned players like Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
As for Grealish’s future, Moyes remained tight-lipped about whether he would return for the upcoming rematch against Newcastle. But one thing is clear: experience still plays a crucial role in Moyes’ strategy, with veteran defender James Tarkowski leading the way this season.
